page_title: 1781 in the United States
section_title: January-March
hierarchical_section_title: 1781 in the United States / Events / January-March
caption_attribution_description: English: The Battle of Cowpens, painted by William Ranney in 1845. The scene depicts an unnamed black soldier (left) firing his pistol and saving the life of Colonel William Washington (on white horse in center).
context_page_description: Events from the year 1781 in the United States. This year marked the beginning of government under the Articles of Confederation as well as the surrender of British armed forces in the American Revolution.
context_section_description: January 2 – Virginia passes a law ceding its western land claims, paving the way for Maryland to ratify the Articles of Confederation.
  January 5 – American Revolution – Richmond, Virginia is burned by British naval forces led by Benedict Arnold.
  January 17 – American Revolution – Battle of Cowpens: Americans under Daniel Morgan defeat British forces.
  January 20 – Pompton Mutiny
  February 2 – The Articles of Confederation are ratified by Maryland, the 13th and final state to do so.
  February 2 – Pyle's Massacre
  March 1 – The United States Continental Congress implements the Articles of Confederation, forming its Perpetual Union as the United States in Congress Assembled.
  March 8 – American Revolution – Skirmish at Waters Creek
  March 15 – American Revolution – Battle of Guilford Court House: American General Nathanael Greene loses to the British.
  March 16 – American Revolution – Battle of Cape Henry
caption: January 17: Battle of Cowpens
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